I Dream of Renee
Down With Love
Review by Ross Anthony

Wow, this film starts out with spunk, swank, pop. A swinging sixty's tongue in cheek energy that bounces like the singing ball from one fun character to the next.

Renee Zellweger plays Barbara Novak, the small town author with the woman-libbing book "Down With Love" which encourages woman to abstain from sex until they can play it like men -- ALA cart (without love). Ewan McGregor is the man's man playboy/journalist only interested in playing the field. They clash/match with an "I Dream of Jeannie," Technicolor-saturated, poke fun of the sixty's from the new millennium, sensibility.

This high-energy fun unfortunately weakens after the film has acquainted us and its characters. With only soapy game playing and ping-ponging left in the plot, the freshness grows a bit stale.

And in the end, the film squanders any points it might have had. Though, perhaps, its point was only to entertain in a light fun way. Incidentally, the picture is not above the risqué. An earlier racy, but fun, sock discussion is followed later in the film with a near tasteless split-screen visual creating a rather sophomoric mood unbefitting of the otherwise smarter feel of the film.

Not bad, but could have been something smashing. Strong performances by Renee, Ewan and especially David Hyde Pierce.



  • Down With Love. Copyright © 2003.
  • Starring Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, Sarah Paulson, David Hyde Pierce, Rachel Dratch, Jack Plotnick.
  • Directed by Peyton Reed.
  • Screenplay by Eve Ahlert and Dennis Drake.
  • Produced by Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks at Fox/Regency.



Grade..........................B+



Copyright © 2001. Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews visit: RossAnthony.com


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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:13:24 PDT